The development policy and finance team at SEI Headquarters is an interdisciplinary group of researchers working on topics related to human development and the environment. Working closely with partners around the world, we aim to support more equitable and sustainable development through demand driven and solution-oriented research and decision support.
Photo: Albert Salamanca / SEI.
We conduct applied research with a pragmatic outlook, seeking opportunities to shape or strengthen development and aid policies, programmes and financial architecture from within. Much of our work aims to understand why development policies and programmes are not working as they should by analyzing the drivers of behaviour of various actors, from households to firms, donors and governments. This type of systemic analysis helps us to identify blind spots, synergies, tradeoffs, and opportunities that could be used to improve policy and programme outcomes. We also facilitate critical reflection and open discussion on approaches to development policy and programming in Sweden and beyond.
Our work spans research, capacity building and short-term decision support assignments. As well as long-term research on development programming and aid governance, we regularly evaluate development programmes and funding mechanisms. We also design and deliver bespoke training and capacity building for partners on a range of topics.
Transformative development outcomes require inter-and-transdisciplinary research and collaboration. Our team brings knowledge and expertise in a range of thematic areas including development and aid programme evaluation; aid policy and aid governance; water, sanitation and hygiene; off-grid energy access and household energy; development finance and development intervention design. Methodological skills within the team include qualitative and quantitative analysis, human centered design methods, service design, and discourse analysis.
Given SEI’s decades-long commitment to both environmental and development research, the diversity of skills within our team, and our broad network of partners and collaborators globally, we are well positioned to provide the analysis and decision support that is needed to address some of the most pressing environment and development challenges.
SEI report / This report explores the role of risk mitigation and transfer (RMT) instruments for enabling renewable energy investments in SADC countries.
Feature / SEI's George Marbuah contributed to chapter 7 on transformation of the financial sector in UNEP's Emissions Gap Report 2022.
SEI report / How does development finance support national development plans and SDG achievement? This report examines the cases of Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana.
Feature / The quality of government of water, sanitation, and hygiene services was explored during an international networking event held in Tanzania.
Perspective / Stockholm+50 offers an opportunity to reflect on what SEI and like-minded think tanks need to do in the coming years to develop new transformational approaches.
Feature / SweDev and the Development and Aid Policy Team is announcing an opportunity for development practitioners to show interest in the Programme Life Cycle Support.
SEI working paper / Read an analysis of policy responses to the climate and biodiversity emergency, with a focus on how public and private capital has been mobilized to respond.
Perspective / Sverige saknar en strategi för hur svensk forskning ska bidra till global utveckling skriver 17 forskare från SweDev i OmVärlden.
Past event / SEI and SweDev's online dialogue on development research with Tony Addison as the keynote speaker.
Past event / SEI hosted a webinar on the role of risk mitigation instruments when attracting private finance to renewable energy projects in Southern Africa.
Past event / Join SEI and SweDev's online dialogue on development research with Anzetse Were as the keynote speaker.
Past event / Join SEI's and SweDev's online dialogue on development research with Nilima Gulrajani as the keynote speaker.
Past event / Experts from the Nordic Africa Institute will give a keynote about human rights, citizenship and governance during this dialogue on development research.
Past event / Tatu Mtwangi Limbumba will give a keynote on the pursuit of a modern city and affordable housing in Tanzania during this dialogue on development research.
Past event / Stefan Dercon will present his latest book "Gambling on Development: Why some countries win and others lose" during this dialogue on development research.
Past event / Join SEI's and SweDev's dialogue on development research and storytelling with illustrator Coralie Legrand.
Design and development by Soapbox.
